NurseFirst

FWIW -- it seems like many of the community college LVN programs (in California) are 3 semesters long. Also interesting is that LVN programs reportedly have more clinical hours than the ADN programs (!). This came up for discussion when some of my fellow classmates were inquiring about getting an LVN before we graduated. We were told that by the time we had sufficient clinical hours, plus the time it took to get the LVN license (with the LVN board being reportedly slow in licensing), we'd be RNs any way. Now, granted, all that was by report. However, I did check into the number of clinical hours -- which is quite substantial -- for LVN programs (why, I guess, that they are 3 semesters long instead of just 1 year -- although, come to think of it, you could probably fit 3 semesters into 1 year -- just that most schools don't.) Incidentally, all RN programs are listed on the BRN site on ca.gov Oh, and since I posted, I discovered that Samuel Merritt is going to have a 1 yr accelerated BSN program in the South Bay, starting soon. The cost seems to be around $45K. Certainly, one way of getting more nursing instructors (one theory as to why there are not sufficient places in RN schools to meet the demand) is to pay them more -- so, I'm guessing, with that kind of tuition, they are paying the instructors better than they could otherwise get... Cheers, NurseFirst

If you want to look at JUST the community colleges in California that have RN programs, the following website will be of some help: http://www.cccco.edu/ It will list what degree programs are at which community colleges in California. It also can be interesting to explore what other kinds of health care training is offered -- such as the interventional cardiology program at Grossmount (near San Diego). I guess when someone asks if there are any schools without a waiting list, I think of that meaning, are there any RN programs that are not impacted. With the presence of lotteries, there may not be wait lists, but those schools that have them, have them because they are impacted. The idea of going the LVN route, then a bridge program, has its advantages, as has been noted by other posters. After completing pre-reqs to RN program, it may also put you ahead of other applicants to the LVN program, which has differing requirements for admission. (i.e., at Mission College, admission only requires the 1 semester of A&P -- but if you have a year of A & P, that gives you an advantage in the admission selection process.) When I discussed this with folks at my Nursing School they did feel that the LVNs were at a bit of a handicap when it came to writing nursing plans. Sequoia Hospital has an accelerated BSN program in conjunction with University of San Francisco (I think that's the one; I know it's not UCSF.). San Jose State was also given some money and were also setting up an accelerated BSN program, or possibly accelerated MSN program. Samuel Merritt is another private school in the Bay Area with an RN program which used to have an accelerated 18 month program. But -- as for cost -- you have to consider. What are you NOT making by NOT being an RN sooner? Taking out loans for $18,000 to get done in 18 months I think would be well worth it in the long run. I'm sorry to hear about the gal who has been trying to get in for 5 years. I know that DeAnza has (at least in the past) had a "weighted" lottery -- with additional "chances" entered into the lottery for each quarter that the person has applied and has not gotten in. When you think of the possibility of having to wait out years, entering an LVN program first and then bridging seems like a far more attractive option. NurseFirst

Hi, I wasn't interested in donating. I'm a moderator on a private internet marketing board where this person had posted, and I was trying to do a bit of vetting--the rules about which the board owner as subsequently clarified, so the vetting is not really necessary now. I'm still interested in knowing if it makes medical sense that someone's heart would be entirely removed from the thorax, and lay on a table, in order to be operated on. To me, it doesn't. But what do I know? Like I say, it sounds like it would be a bit hard on the great vessels :) Thanks for all your help! NurseFirst

Make sure you know what the time commitment is from YOUR local Red Cross. Here, in the San Francisco Bay Area, they've lowered it to a 9-day commitment. I'd be surprised if that weren't true in other places. As for the person who thinks they can distribute food and learn how on the way down...I'm wondering...would that training include what to do if you are 1) shot at; 2) mobbed; 3) run out. Some of these things might need to include more training than just sitting in a classroom, may include some exercises requiring some space... I will say that it's ironic that September is "Disaster Preparedness Month"... :) NurseFirst

I did do some clinical time in an LTC where the patient was on a bed, I assume with the type of mattress folks have described here, but which ALSO rotated the patient gently from side to side. Anyone know much about these beds? Thanks, NurseFirst

Wow! Only $8.95? Seems extremely reasonable--great ROI, I would think. NurseFirst

A few months ago I had the opportunity to stir up a bit of controversy (quite unintentionally) about Chris Reeve and decubiti. Now, I am asking for help. A dear friend of mine's Mom has been recently diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer (mets everywhere). I don't know whether hospice covers preventative treatment for decubiti, or if so, what kind. I know when my Dad was in hospice, they paid for a hospital bed--but nothing special. I woke up every 2 hours to turn my Dad. I'm interested in knowing what kinds of preventatives there are for decubiti...I guess beds are on the top of the list. But other things, too. I'd like to give my friend some recommendations--I don't think depending upon paid or unpaid caregivers to turn a patient every 2 hours is the best approach, especially if the caregiver is providing 24 hr care. Suggestions? Comments? Thanks...and happy 4th, everyone!!! NurseFirst

Hi, I just found out from a dear friend that her mom is dying from advanced terminal CA (mets everywhere)--recently discovered. Her mom can't take morphine and reportedly is on codeine. I was a bit surprised, because I don't think of codeine as, generally, a particularly strong analgesic (I couldn't even find it on any of the equalanalgesic charts) and hadn't heard of it being used for CA pain (but what do I know? I'm only a 2nd/2 yr student). Could someone enlighten me? My friend also mentioned something about demerol--maybe it had been used in the hospital? I'm not sure. But I understand that many places shy away from demerol because it tends to make pts loopy. I told her that we've used dilaudid for some folks for whom morphine didn't work--though I'm not sure if there is any cross-sensitivity between morphine and dilaudid. Can anyone help me out ? Thanks very much in advance, NurseFirst

The best thing you can do for yourself is to know about your care, and to ask questions. PLEASE ask questions--especially if someone is giving you a pill you've never had before and you are suddenly getting it. Patients need, more than ever, to be responsible for their own care; not that the nurses aren't responsible--but, just for your own protection. Know about your disease (I'm sorry about your neurofibramatosis; I hope it never gets very severe. I've seen some programs on Discovery Health having to do with people who have neurofibramatosis--severely.)--know what is expected and what isn't. Know what medications you are taking, what they look like, and why. Just my "two bits", NurseFirst

I had to think about that for a second....yep, medical school. That's about all her fiance will have a chance to see her :). Seriously, go check out my friends at http://www.valuemd.com -- a site which, if your fiance doesn't know about it, he should become acquainted! The site is set up for foreign medical school students, or those trying to get into foreign medical schools--particularly from the U.S., but there are some foreign-born med students/docs there as well. The site has Very useful, good information--about everything: island life, dealing with administrations, etc., etc.; the students share lots of information about life on the island--but, do a search on the threads as many of the questions have been asked over and over again, and some of the regulars get a bit perturbed. AUC, I believe, also has a "spouses" club. From the things I've read on that site, I'm not sure you would want to do nursing on St. Maarten...something about the level of practice, especially when it comes to standard precautions and the like (and there is a lot of AIDs in the Carribean). For instance, from what I understand, most of the wives return to the states to have their babies. Remember, the Carribean Islands ARE third world countries. NurseFirst

Well...it may not apply to you...but the San Jose Mercury just ran an article in the Real Estate Section. Nearly all of the housing in the Bay Area has increased in price between 21-40% within the last year. And I already thought my house had increased in price quite a bit LAST YEAR. NurseFirst

Er, uh...even medical residents are limited to working 80 hours weeks in many places. 112 hours in a week? Yikes!!!! I guess you don't need much sleep? NurseFirst

Still learning... But, one thing I've learned so far is that healthcare is a team effort, not only do I not have all the answers, no one else does either. That's why we have to help each other out. NurseFirst

Check with the HR departments of the hospitals in your area that you might be interested in working at. They will give you the most definitive information, since they are the ones doing the hiring. Some places around here want such things as diverse as being an EMT-P; or having EKG and phlebotomy skills. NurseFirst

foods: don't eat anything white: no white bread, no white flour, no white rice, no white sugar; make sure that you get your daily quota of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. for insoluble fiber, i've just started researching xanthan gum--looks promising. i've been looking at increasing the fiber in my diet because i recently had an attack of diverticulitis. diets: check out dr. dean ornish's books as well as dr. john mcdougall's. mcdougall actually has a line of "just add water" meals that come in handy take-with-you cups. don't forget to exercise! i'm sure you've heard much of the right things to do through your cardiac rehab... nursefirst